Help choosing a rod and reel??? for a rookie

[ryank]

Hello Ive been fishing for steelhead for a few month with limited success I did catch my first fish last weekend and that was very exiting Ive been using a 9'6" berkley imx rod with a shimano sedona spinning reel but I would like to get a levelwind reel and I know nothing about them Ive never even casted one before I would like to get a set up I could float fish and drift fish with and I just bank fish. A good all around set up if this is possible or am I better off having 2 different setups for this? my price range is about $250.00 to 300.00 also if this set up is possible what is the best line to use for both styles of fishing? so if anyone has any recommendations on any any rods and reels it would be very much appreciated and a good place to purchase this stuff. and another question would be what should I look for in a salmon rod? I will be needing to purchase a set up for spring chinook soon and Im not sure what would be the best set up for these fish or the best method float or drift fishing or both?? Thanks Ryan k

[giggsy70]

Well I can let you know that I have a lamiglas certified pro "Bill Herzog" 10 ft medium action that I love for steelies. My dad has the Bill Herrzog 10ft model but his is the x10mtc model. That is the magnum action so it would be enough to handle big ones. Good luck on reels there are a million and one out there but a lot of guys swear by thier "Curado's". Lamiglas also has the G1000 line with various models to choose from too, I just like the certified pros better. The graphite is of high quality and the sensation and feel are great in these rods. Good luck

[Twise95]

Hello Ryan! Welcome to SSSF!

Nice to hear that you've gotten a fish recently, some of us haven't been able to get out as much as we hoped :-/

Sounds like the setup you have right now is a pretty darn good one for bobber fishing. I know that the levelwind reel setup seems to be a favorite of drift fisherman for sure, but I'm sure that it would work floats as well. We had a post a little while back (try going a few pages back in the Rivers/Coldwater thread) that was dealing with how we like to handle our gear. Most of us seem to pack two rods. But whatever makes you fish better (i.e. more comfortable casting with) is probably what you should use. Most of us don't seem to mind carrying an extra rod along for the ride, because sometimes the unthinkable happens and its nice to have a little extra insurance incase a rod breaks.

$250-300 should be a great price range for getting you a second setup. A lot of us really like the Berkley IM-7s, since they're pretty inexpensive and I think they are pretty good rods. Haven't gotten a chance to try out the IM-8s yet but I heard they are pretty nice as well. The higher end rods (like Lamiglas and G-Loomis) are more expensive but most of them have a lifetime warranty of service. As for a reel, Shimano makes some great reels, and I've heard the Curado is a favorite of many for the level-wind style. I personally don't fish with levelwinds but I'm sure others will be able to chime in for you. In any case, it really just comes down to how much money you want to spend in the end.

Welcome to the board :)

[Chinook SSSF]

Yea the certified pro rods feel great and are lighter. The G1000 is a good strong blank as well. I have used a ton of G1000's in the last 15 years but I recently got a hold of 2 certifieds and boy are they fun to fish with. I have the 9,6 spinning jig/float rod but I have used it to sidedrift, float fish, spinner fish, drift fish and even run an indicator/yarny setup all with success on this rod in just one year. IM sure the casting version could do the same....

If your just drift fishing or running spinners, a 9,6 should be about as long as you might want but if all your going to do is bobber fish the 10 or better as giggsy mentioned is what I would also recommend, no matter what brand you choose.

[Osmosis]

I am a big fan of the Certified pro Lamiglas rods. I will also admit that the $40 "north river" rods from fishermens have never treated me wrong.
I was so incredibly disappointed while dealing with g-loomis's "customer service" that I will never buy one again.

As far as levelwind/casting reels go I've used nearly all of the "high end" ones for atleast one day.. Personally I feel the Abu Garcia - Revo line reels are the nicest for bank application.. smooth as it gets plus a drag that can stop a train.

you can very easily cast two #5 split shot and a corky/#4 hook - all the way across the clackamas with a revo. Not that you need to fish that far away from yourself on the clack, just said it as a guage.

[GW]

I would give it some time and wait for the right rod to come along used. You can save a boat load of money. Guides turn over their inventory yearly and often times sell their used rods on boards just like this. A Loomis GLX is the best rod I've ever fished, but they dont make it in a lot of different configurations.

I like a 9'6" rod for steelhead, a lot of guys like shorter rods. Your style will make a big difference in your choice. Just give it some time and you'll come to realized what is right for you.

Lamiglas and Loomis have a very different feel to them. They take a different design aproach and it makes for a much different rod. The taper and transition is the most notable. You really should fish them both and decide which rod YOU prefer. And be realistic in the comparison. Dont fish a GL2 loomis against a Titanium Lami and go wow, that GL2 is a heavy turd (which it probably is).

[GW]

And yeah, spend good money on a reel. I fish the curado and can cast a number 3 spinner a ridiculous distance. A lot of guys like the Revo so I'm sure they are a good reel. I will say Loomis and Shimano have been nothing but a dream in the customer service department so I'll continue to support both of them.

[Chinook SSSF]

Lamiglas and Loomis have a very different feel to them. They take a different design aproach and it makes for a much different rod. The taper and transition is the most notable. You really should fish them both and decide which rod YOU prefer.

Well said, I totaly agree.

[ryank]

Hey, I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for the replies they are very helpful I think Im going to go with a shimano curado Ive been reading up on these and then I see you guys seem like you have had pretty good luck with them. I also have a question about yarn balls I just learned to tie them And I was wondering I dont use a drift bobber with these right? just hook them and secure with the bait loop right? also are there any better colors than others I should be using right now I have bubble gum pink,hot pink,peach & orange any suggestions?? again thanks to everyone!! Ryan k

[RollinontheRvr]

I have fished Berkley's IM7 series in spinning and casting and liked both. I then got a Loomis GL2 med action spinning rod and thought I loved it until I got my Lamiglass Certified Pro 9'6", Medium X96 JS. I have hooked up several steelies on this rod with floats and jigs, baits, and so on and I absolutely love this rod. Then...I got a Lamiglass Certified Pro 9'6" Medium, X96 MC, I have not had the pleasure of hooking a fish yet but if the rockfish and two fiberfish I have hooked are any comparison then this rod will be supreme in my book. The GL2 I have does not have the sensitivity that my Cert Pro's have or the feel when fighting a fish. As for reels...I used to use Okuma's but they are very heavy then I went to Shimano's but found I was replacing them every year...:mad:...Now I fish Pfleuger's President series in both spinning and casting versions and I love them both. The drag has not failed me yet, I have great faith in these reels. I fished the Curado in the past also, good reel but I found that its spool spinning ability was much better than my thumb pressure ability...:eek:

[Osmosis]

If you're going for a Curado do not pay more than $121 for any of these models: 200E5, 200E7, 201E7. and not more than $177 for the 300E, and 301E.
Alot of shops like to make a bit too much money from reel sales. When I see curado's go for $250 I cant help but shake my head!

You don't need a corkie/drift bobber above a yarn ball. doesnt mean you can't use one, sometimes that works as well. However I usually use one or the other instead of both.
With the water as low and clear as it has been lately I'd use the bubble gum pink and the peach/orange. I suggest to tie up some with just peach yarn as well. save the hot pink for when the rivers get some mud in them again.
with the water low and clear I stick to small gear and "mild" colors.

[giggsy70]

Ryan you can fish with a corkie or without. I kooed both of my fish on the Sandy just free drifting them with just the yarn,hook and scent. You can also use fake eggs such as ez eggs or outlaw. I have hooked fish using a corkie with the yarn. Also if oyu have a fly tying vise you can tie up some egg flys in the same concept as the yarball. Just choose the colors secure them to the hook and trim. I like to make them big to start off then trim to desired size as fishing them. So when your fishing them with out a corkie it is more like fly fishing with a single egg pattern. The picture I've attached is of one that was dime sized and fished just as is. Good luck and knock em dead.

[GW]

**This is all meant to be positive feedback, so dont think I'm singling you out or being negative. That isn't my intention**


The GL2 I have does not have the sensitivity that my Cert Pro's have or the feel when fighting a fish.

The GL2's use really heavy components and the entire rod has that colored coating on it. It makes for a heavy rod. I've got 4 1141's for side drifting. One GL2, two GL3's and one GLX. No Joke, I could pick up the rods in a pitch black room and tell you which is which based just on weight. The lighter components, the lighter the rod. The lighter the rod, the more sensativity it has.

Things as simple as the handle makes a big difference too. The GL2 has the old style handle where your basically holding plastic and the reel foot all day. The GL3 and GLX has formed cork under your hand. In the store, both are comfortable. Go out in 20 degree weather and fish the plastic handle all day and you'll freeze. Little things make a big difference and sometimes you have to fish a rod quite a bit to learn its nuances.

Top Handle is a Loomis GL3 GLX
Middle Handle is a Loomis GL2
Bottom Handle is a Lami Pro Cert

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/weekender-gw/Tackle/handles.jpg


Again, I'm not trying to sway your opinion on which rod to buy, but guys go into the store pick them up, shake em a couple times and choose a rod. It's hard to notice the little stuff in that environment. I didnt know the handle on my GL2 (same handle they use on the certified pro) was junk until I was fishing multiple rods in the same day under "fishing conditions".

Your on the right path by looking for a quality outfit to fish regardless of what you buy. You'll have guys tell you it doesnt make a difference and they catch just as many fish with that $40 rod. It's (generally) not true. This time of year it's pretty common to leave the house when its dark and get home when it's dark. How many casts did I make in a day? How many hours did I fish? How worn out was I when I got the last good pocket of water before the take out? Did I still fish it? Bet your ass I did. With a cheap, heavy rod I probably would have thrown in the towel when my arm got tired.


[COLOR=DarkGreen]I fished the Curado in the past also, good reel but I found that its spool spinning ability was much better than my thumb pressure ability...

Here is a little trick. I find guys try and apply too much pressure with the spool brake (handle side) to keep from birds nesting. A great way to get accustomed to a new curado is adjust your brake spool for the lure you are throwing. When you let go of the spool the lure should drop about a foot a second. Then, on a new reel open up the VBS and turn all 6 brakes on. From the factory 2 or 3 are on. You'll loose some distance, but you'll have A LOT less frustration. Then as you get accustomed to the reel click a brake or two off. I fish between two and zero brakes now depending on what I am throwing. I've also noticed they take a day or two to break in. About the third trip out you'll notice the reel is fishing alot better. I thought it was just me getting used to the reel, but then my buddy bought one after I let him fish mine and I noticed the same thing.

Last, pay attention to WHEN the spool blows up (birds nests) on your cast. If it blows up out of the gate, then your brake spool is too loose. If it blows up half way through then you need more VBS. If it blows up when it hits the water, then its you:D. You can compensate for some of that by adding some VBS though because it will remove some of the inertia from the spool before your weight gets to the water.

Good luck. I feel like I just wrote a book on something that I set out to type two lines on.

That's a fish...

Grant

[RollinontheRvr]

**This is all meant to be positive feedback, so dont think I'm singling you out or being negative. That isn't my intention**


I appreciate the tips as well others here do I am sure. Rods and reels are like something else we all have...opinions. I do like my Lamiglass Certified Pro's better than my GL2 though. I can feel the fish loading up getting ready to break water, granted it is a lighter rod than the GL2. I still have my GL2 and will continue to use but probably as my spinner rod where bite sensitivity is not quite as important. One question though...VBS... What does that stand for? Variable Breaking System?